Hi, had a similar problem once that turned out to be ignition module located inside the distributor, although my problem only showed up when hot. The dizzy does have an ignition coil and ignition module that have been a common fail on the earlier models. If you do suspect the dizzy then there are two versions available, check the firing order to make sure you get the right one.

I'd give the engine flush a try first and see if it helps, with the v6 it's possible to take off the Cam covers, remove the cams and take out the HLA's then service them, but it's a fair bit of work.
When I rebuilt my engine last year, I stripped the HLA's down, there were mixed reviews about whether this is a good idea or not, but it wasn't all that hard if your careful, they key is to make sure you soak and pump them with oil before putting them back.
The reason they get sticky is old oil gums up inside them, then they stop compressing and pumping the oil through themselves, regular oil changes can reduce the problem.
Jono

Thank you for the replies.
Yes I did take it apart and gave it a clean. I could see right away thay the brushes had worn out but also saw some little damage where they contact so new ones would wear out sooner.
So got a proper reconditioned one from a motor factors which did the job just nice. There where 3 different output options, I went for the 1.7kW and it's been working fine :)

Cracked it! Ignition Module in the distributer was failing when hot.
Thanks to all those who have contributed ideas and I do believe the ignition module was mentioned as a fix (blackmexyv6) but trying to get them is near impossible for the early distributors. Money is a bit short otherwise a new distributor would have sorted it straight away but hey I have learned a lot with this one - thanks again.

Cheers mate, think I'm going to pull it anyway as I never opened the engine when I got it, who knows if it was re-bored!
Best to check before I fork out I guess.
Yep its looking like a full valvetrain/drivetrain upgrade, so I have been recommended H-Beam forged rods, there good to 800hp apparently so that more then suits my requirements.
Jono

I wouldn't say straight in… but it is the same size externally. You will need to transfer over various parts from your K8, but essentially you should be able to make it work. Not sure about the ECU and loom with manual box though.

@dd0ca62ddf=cparsons1980:
has anyone got any info on a KLDE Turbo conversion…...not that i can even consider it at the min but its something that could interest me in a few years when i've freed some cash up
Check out the projects on this and MX3.com, both awesome sources of info on both, honestly you could build a car with some of their guides but there are lots of em!
Happy hunting :bigok:

Thanks guys - changed plugs and leads AND silica gelled a split in the air pipe and she's running sweet !!
Ta very much for your help.
Mark
pd if anyone needs touch up paint I've just got some from a place in Ireland - Blaze red SQ code - cheap as chips and spot on colour.